02 Nissan Maxima Struts
#1
02 Nissan Maxima Struts
Hi. You all have definitely been a big help lately!
I think I need to get the struts changed on my car. It has 150,000 miles I don't think I ever changed the struts. But I'm curious as to what struts I need. Specifically, I see Monroe struts a lot, but what about some other brands like KYB? I was going to get a local mechanic to install them for cheap but want to make sure I do this right.
Also, for an even cheaper price can I do this myself? Thank you!!!
I think I need to get the struts changed on my car. It has 150,000 miles I don't think I ever changed the struts. But I'm curious as to what struts I need. Specifically, I see Monroe struts a lot, but what about some other brands like KYB? I was going to get a local mechanic to install them for cheap but want to make sure I do this right.
Also, for an even cheaper price can I do this myself? Thank you!!!
#3
Seriously? There is a 30 page thread halfway down the page that explains all of this.
https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...on-thread.html
https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...on-thread.html
#4
Hi. You all have definitely been a big help lately!
I think I need to get the struts changed on my car. It has 150,000 miles I don't think I ever changed the struts. But I'm curious as to what struts I need. Specifically, I see Monroe struts a lot, but what about some other brands like KYB? I was going to get a local mechanic to install them for cheap but want to make sure I do this right.
Also, for an even cheaper price can I do this myself? Thank you!!!
I think I need to get the struts changed on my car. It has 150,000 miles I don't think I ever changed the struts. But I'm curious as to what struts I need. Specifically, I see Monroe struts a lot, but what about some other brands like KYB? I was going to get a local mechanic to install them for cheap but want to make sure I do this right.
Also, for an even cheaper price can I do this myself? Thank you!!!
#5
Seriously? There is a 30 page thread halfway down the page that explains all of this.
https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...on-thread.html
https://maxima.org/forums/5th-genera...on-thread.html
#6
Not necessarily. All depends on multiple factors that should be considered. Illuminas are overkill for most. Blues are too soft for most. Can't make a sweeping statement like this without taking into consideration the buyer's preferences.
#7
#9
I just have...um... normal needs I think.
#10
#11
If you want to do the job yourself and save some money, Monroe Quick Struts are good. I have them in my I35. The ride's a little on the softer side but I don't mind. At 150K miles, there's a good chance your strut mounts and dust boots are not long for this world so another benefit with quick struts is all new hardware.
Last edited by mclasser; 06-15-2015 at 02:11 PM.
#12
Right, nothing at all. He's only contributed a 30 page thread of nothing but general suspension questions like this and has assisted a countless number of forum users for several years, myself included.
There's nothing wrong with suggesting you search the forum for answers to your questions before starting a new thread with an issue that has already been addressed.
There's nothing wrong with suggesting you search the forum for answers to your questions before starting a new thread with an issue that has already been addressed.
#13
Right, nothing at all. He's only contributed a 30 page thread of nothing but general suspension questions like this and has assisted a countless number of forum users for several years, myself included.
There's nothing wrong with suggesting you search the forum for answers to your questions before starting a new thread with an issue that has already been addressed.
There's nothing wrong with suggesting you search the forum for answers to your questions before starting a new thread with an issue that has already been addressed.
For your information, I've already googled information about the struts. I could not find relevant information in terms of brands and their reliability.
Also, a bit of a red herring you threw there. I'm talking in context of MY thread, not what his history is. Before you speak, please read the context of what one is talking about.
There's ways you can address an issue without being a smart *** about something.
Saying ''seriously?" as a reply to a thread does not contribute anything. One could have simply said ''Hey, we already have a thread with lot's of resources with a link here''. That would have been more useful.
Apparently I'm supposed to know every thread that exists that's not in the sticky.
#14
And why did you inject yourself into this thread? Since you can obviously see through my screen, what's my favorite pizza? For your information, I've already googled information about the struts. I could not find relevant information in terms of brands and their reliability. Also, a bit of a red herring you threw there. I'm talking in context of MY thread, not what his history is. Before you speak, please read the context of what one is talking about. There's ways you can address an issue without being a smart *** about something. Saying ''seriously?" as a reply to a thread does not contribute anything. One could have simply said ''Hey, we already have a thread with lot's of resources with a link here''. That would have been more useful. Apparently I'm supposed to know every thread that exists that's not in the sticky.
Just so you know djfreestyle is probably the most knowledgeable suspension guy on this forum. He's also a hell of a nice guy and he can walk you through any possible questions you could have. So you may want to say your sorry to him and I'm sure he would gladly explain anything you need to you.
#15
I personally do city / daily driving but, also like to have some extra "sport" handeling for when i get in to it (corners)
EDIT: also the forum upgrade but, tons and tons of old links some old threads are dead ends.
Last edited by cdoublejj; 06-15-2015 at 10:09 PM.
#16
I think he means as far as illuminas having the adjustability that the kyb don't offer. I have illuminas and I won't say they're better than kybs cause I've never had them but they sure are extremely nice. I've had a ton of cars over the years, and I got to say the illuminas offer a great ride and having on the fly adjustability is awesome. The only setup I could see being nicer in my opinion would be coilovers.
#17
2000 SE here ... looking for a nice replacement set of rear shocks. Looking for something sportier than stock, always found the SE not up to par with a sporty ride, so definitely something stiffer. The catch is, I want to maintain stock height.
Thanks for all your help guys
Thanks for all your help guys
#18
2000 SE here ... looking for a nice replacement set of rear shocks. Looking for something sportier than stock, always found the SE not up to par with a sporty ride, so definitely something stiffer. The catch is, I want to maintain stock height. Thanks for all your help guys
#20
I had tokico blues on stock springs for about a year and wasn't to crazy out it. The ride was softer than stock. It was really noticeable in the rear. I ended up buying OE from Nissan and selling my blues to a orger from Rhode Island. May blues should only be used with lowering springs??
#22
I had tokico blues on stock springs for about a year and wasn't to crazy out it. The ride was softer than stock. It was really noticeable in the rear. I ended up buying OE from Nissan and selling my blues to a orger from Rhode Island. May blues should only be used with lowering springs??
#23
Originally Posted by kingkai1990
And why did you inject yourself into this thread? Since you can obviously see through my screen, what's my favorite pizza?
Originally Posted by kingkai1990
For your information, I've already googled information about the struts. I could not find relevant information in terms of brands and their reliability.
Originally Posted by kingkai1990
Also, a bit of a red herring you threw there. I'm talking in context of MY thread, not what his history is. Before you speak, please read the context of what one is talking about.
Originally Posted by kingkai1990
There's ways you can address an issue without being a smart *** about something.
Originally Posted by kingkai1990
Saying ''seriously?" as a reply to a thread does not contribute anything. One could have simply said ''Hey, we already have a thread with lot's of resources with a link here''. That would have been more useful.
Originally Posted by kingkai1990
Apparently I'm supposed to know every thread that exists that's not in the sticky.
Bottom line, you're here requesting FREE advice from people who are taking time out of their day to help YOU. Based off your OP it sounds like you've already received lots of help, and that's fantastic. But if you receive a response that's doesn't align with what you're looking for, don't take it personally.
Anyways, good luck with your struts. I hope you find what you're looking for.
#24
#25
#26
#27
i was under the impression blues felt like a 3 out of 5 on the illumina setting scale, but based on what your saying seems like 1 or less.
#28
#30
Yes I also believe that to be true. Stock struts are pretty stiff on these cars. You put blues on stock springs and the car rode almost like a caddy. Only downside is the cost of OE shocks/struts, but I like the way the car rides and handles compared to blues and stock springs. If you get blues then get yourself some got sports springs.
#31
Everyone should remember that your spring selection dictates your strut selection, not the other way around. Pick your springs based on stiffness, ride height, etc, then pick your struts. There are only certain struts that mate properly to certain springs.
If you get Blues do NOT get lowering springs. They are not designed to handle lowered cars and will fail prematurely.
#32
I think he means as far as illuminas having the adjustability that the kyb don't offer. I have illuminas and I won't say they're better than kybs cause I've never had them but they sure are extremely nice. I've had a ton of cars over the years, and I got to say the illuminas offer a great ride and having on the fly adjustability is awesome. The only setup I could see being nicer in my opinion would be coilovers.
EDIT: how on the fly adjustable are the illuminas? by a switch or getting out and using a wrench?
#33
how much do the illuminas cost and where can get them? how much would coils over cost and don't must suggest tein coilovers and don't sacrifice comfortably for handling? i'm assuming the illuminas have a nice balance?
EDIT: how on the fly adjustable are the illuminas? by a switch or getting out and using a wrench?
EDIT: how on the fly adjustable are the illuminas? by a switch or getting out and using a wrench?
However, even though they are the same price, you have to be careful to automatically assume it's a better option to get coils. Coilovers are NOT maintenance free, have shorter longevity, are not as comfortable. But the performance is fantastic. Make your decision wisely based on your preferences.
Illuminas are very easy to adjust. Small flathead screwdriver to the center of the strut piston. That's under the hood for the fronts, but in the trunk for the rears. Generally I've found that once someone finds the setting that works for them, its rare for them to change the dampening.
#34
Anywhere from $350-$450 for a set. Then you factor in boots, mounts, springs, install and you're right about the same price as new coilovers, which are $800+.
However, even though they are the same price, you have to be careful to automatically assume it's a better option to get coils. Coilovers are NOT maintenance free, have shorter longevity, are not as comfortable. But the performance is fantastic. Make your decision wisely based on your preferences.
Illuminas are very easy to adjust. Small flathead screwdriver to the center of the strut piston. That's under the hood for the fronts, but in the trunk for the rears. Generally I've found that once someone finds the setting that works for them, its rare for them to change the dampening.
However, even though they are the same price, you have to be careful to automatically assume it's a better option to get coils. Coilovers are NOT maintenance free, have shorter longevity, are not as comfortable. But the performance is fantastic. Make your decision wisely based on your preferences.
Illuminas are very easy to adjust. Small flathead screwdriver to the center of the strut piston. That's under the hood for the fronts, but in the trunk for the rears. Generally I've found that once someone finds the setting that works for them, its rare for them to change the dampening.
but TEIN SS i heard did ok regardless but they were $1200 c/os
#36
how much do the illuminas cost and where can get them? how much would coils over cost and don't must suggest tein coilovers and don't sacrifice comfortably for handling? i'm assuming the illuminas have a nice balance? EDIT: how on the fly adjustable are the illuminas? by a switch or getting out and using a wrench?
#37
You can get good deals on illuminas. It's like everything else you have too shop around and wait sometimes. Last year there were certain times on Amazon that I saw them for as low as 120ish for fronts. Illuminas do have a nice balance of comfort and handling. They are easy to adjust, by taking a screw driver and turning an adjuster on top of strut. They've held up great so far for me in hot and cold weather. I really like them. From everything I've read illuminas and h&r springs make a very good combination.
#38
#39
sept 2009 ^ upgraded tire wall size, front spacers, and new grille since then. but from the little sag, to the wider front wheel well it was kinda rough (this angle of picture exaggerates it too, but i believe that was pretty level ground
#40
You can get good deals on illuminas. It's like everything else you have too shop around and wait sometimes. Last year there were certain times on Amazon that I saw them for as low as 120ish for fronts. Illuminas do have a nice balance of comfort and handling. They are easy to adjust, by taking a screw driver and turning an adjuster on top of strut. They've held up great so far for me in hot and cold weather. I really like them. From everything I've read illuminas and h&r springs make a very good combination.
Last edited by cdoublejj; 06-27-2015 at 10:52 PM.